Chicagoland brides with a desire for a unique wedding venue, and perhaps a flair for the dramatic, will be pleased to learn that The Lerner Theater in Elkhart, IN is a wedding venue as well as a performing arts space. Indeed, The Lerner Theater ballroom, called the Crystal Ballroom, is available to host a variety of events, including banquets, rehearsal dinners, and wedding ceremonies and receptions. Lovely architecture and décor, plus plenty of floor space, make this venue a unique and appealing option for engaged couples seeking a wedding in Elkhart.

Originally built in 1924 and completely renovated as of 2011, this historical theater provides both a unique atmosphere and a large space for weddings of any style, size, or theme. When hunting for a place to hold a wedding ceremony or reception, versatility and visual appeal are the most common requirements, as each bride wants her wedding to not only look beautiful but also to function smoothly. Truly, this theater provides both. The Lerner Theater Crystal Ballroom venue is sure to take any wedding day to the next level and leave guests talking about it for years to come.

The Location

The Lerner Theatre is located in downtown Elkhart, IN, a historic district of the city. Quaint shops, historic homes, tasty restaurants, and plenty of character greet anyone who takes a stroll through this historic neighborhood. By remaining true to its roots, Elkhart has retained a timeless charm that becomes apparent to anyone visiting the city. Unlike other historic towns that are all show and with limited real establishments, Elkhart boasts numerous hotels accommodating a wide budgetary range. The Hilton Garden Inn, Microtel Inn and Suites, and Staybridge Suites Elkhart are just a few of the plethora of choices the wedding guests can choose from. Restaurants, cafes, and breweries are also available in this city, providing hours of entertainment on the wedding weekend and plenty of options for a rehearsal dinner or a bridal luncheon.

Elkhart, IN is less than two hours from Chicago, making it convenient for those needing to fly to the wedding. It’s also perfectly suitable for guests who would like to do some sight-seeing after the matrimonial events have come to a close.

The Ballroom

The Crystal Ballroom is located on the second floor of the Lerner Theater. The space screams “ornate” and “intricate”, and all that detail makes even the largest wedding seem intimate and meaningful. Plush carpeting, high windows, many chandeliers, high ceilings, crown molding, and intricate trim make this ballroom breath-taking. Beauty isn’t the only positive aspect of Lerner Theater Crystal Ballroom receptions and ceremonies, because the venue also possesses enough square footage for even the largest guest-list. Lerner Theater banquets, or completely seated receptions, can accommodate up to 400 guests! This means the bride and groom will feel no pressure to leave anyone out on their special day. Should the couple decide they want less seating and more room for dancing at their reception, the ballroom can still hold up to 350 guests, which is still a rather large party! But large parties aren’t the only ones welcome in the Crystal Ballroom, as simpler weddings of 50 guests or less can be easily hosted as well.

In the case of these smaller weddings, the ballroom can be prepared for both the ceremony and the reception ahead of time, with different sections of the space used for different parts of the day. For the aforementioned larger weddings, the bride and groom have the option of using the Cittadine Room in the theater for cocktail hour after the ceremony, while the ballroom is being transformed into the reception of their dreams. Regardless of the happy couple’s preference, the wonderful staff at the Lerner Theater is available to make the venue suitable and appropriate for weddings of all sizes.

Catering and Vendors

Catering at the Lerner Theater is done in-house by Crystal Ballroom Catering and provides a variety of menu options for the bride and groom. Even better, should the engaged couple not find exactly what they are looking for, Crystal Ballroom Catering will work tirelessly to design and implement a custom-menu for the wedding day. This catering company can meet the needs of any bride, no matter her taste or preference.

Outside caterers are allowed should the bride have another preference, provided that the company she selects is a licensed caterer. Regarding other vendors, the staff at the Crystal Ballroom will happily provide the engaged couple with a list of recommended vendors that have proven their excellence in the past.

Parking

The theater does not have a designated parking lot, but wedding guests should have no problems finding spaces as there are several public lots just steps from the Lerner Theater. They will be able to enjoy the beautiful sights of the lovely historic Elkhart as they walk to the theater!